The Kentucky sports scene is largely dominated by college hoops and the Kentucky Derby, as well as one of the PGA of America's most prized tournament venues: Valhalla Golf Club.

At Golf Advisor, we're less concerned with where state dignitaries such as Rick Pitino, John Calipari and Ashley Judd play their golf, and more interested in where the top public courses can be found, from the metro Louisville area to Lexington and throughout the rural landscape.

Coming in first in 2014, as rated by Golf Advisor golfers themselves, is Gibson Bay Golf Course, located just south of Lexington. It also led the state ratings in the "value" category.

"This course has one of the best layouts in the area," wrote lexhokie of the Michael Hurdzan design. "The terrain is hilly and scenic with creeks and lakes."

Brandon Tucker is the Managing Editor for Golf Advisor. To date, his golf travels have taken him to over two dozen countries and over 500 golf courses worldwide. While he's played some of the most prestigious courses in the world, Tucker's favorite way to play the game is on a great muni in under three hours. Follow Brandon on Twitter at @BrandonTucker and on Instagram at BrandonTuckerGC.

Kentucky knows hoops and horse racing, but don't forget the golf scene, particularly in the city of Louisville and the surrounding area. From Jack Nicklaus' Valhalla to Fuzzy Zoeller's Covered Bridge to Heritage Hill -- the Bluegrass state has plenty of great golf.

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